Fallkniven S1 vs RAT RC-5?

Hawk45

Hawk45

Joined
Jan 28, 2005
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2,154
I'm looking for a knife about 5" long for camping/hiking. I was looking at some of the Bark Rivers but most of their blades I liked were in the 4" which seems a little small. So I did some research and found the Fallkniven S1 and Rat RC-5 both at around $130 where is about the limit I want to go.

The S1 seems like the perfect knife for size/weight/rust resistance.

The RC-5 seems super tough but is heavier.

BRKT Bravo1 gets great reviews but the 4" blade seems short and A2 would need a patina for sure.

Thoughts?
 
S-1 for corrosion control, a-2 for edge holding-no patina required. You wont notice the difference between 4 and 5 inches.
 
If I had to choose from your choices I would pick the S1.

My reason- to try the VG10 steel. I am familiar with 1095 (got RC4 and others)

I also found I like knives about .15 to .2 inch thick. Over .2 starts to get too thick for me. Under .15 is ok though. I have the bravo 1 and it is a little too thick. I prefer thinner for lighter weight.

Also think about the sheaths. I am not a fan of the sheath that comes with the RC5. I prefer simplier. I really like the sheath they made for the RC4.


Either would be a great knife but I heard the RC5 described as a sharpened pry bar. The S1 seems more like a knife if thinking about it that way.

Good luck,

Rob
 
Just to throw another bladein the mix- scrap yard S5 cg- light and tough. Great 5" blade in that price range...
 
My choice is the Fallkniven S1.


I like the size of the S1 over the Bravo 1; if I was going to match up the S1 to a Barkie I'd look at the Aurora instead of the Bravo 1.

I've had an S1 (and a couple of F1's) for a few years now and I'm blown away by the toughness and sharpness of the Fallkniven laminated VG-10 blade steel.
 
The S1 would be my choice / recommendation for all the reasons already posted.

It is a great all round knife. The VG10 steel takes some practice and patience to sharpen because it is very abrasion resistant and takes longer to get the edge. Once the edge is established it isn't difficult to maintain.

That said: I aslo have a RAT RC-4 and as far as capability goes there is nothing wrong with it. It is a solid, robust, well built knife, but I don't like the feel of the handle slabs in my hand. I find they feel kind of block like.

If you have an opportunity to handle both knives, that would be a plus, how the knive feels in the hand can be a pretty important factor in how well you will like it in the long run.

Kevin

FallknivenS1-6.jpg
 
I have a RAT7 now, so I'm familar with how the RC-5 will feel. The Rat7 I have is so honkin' big and heavy though. Great for chopping but I don't do a whole lot of that. The weight of the RAT7 is more than I prefer to carry on longer trips also. Plus it's hard to work with food sometimes b/c it's so thick and not very nimble. That is why I'm looking for something a bit smaller and simpler. I'm really leaning towards the S1.
 
I would be very surprised if you were disappointed by the S1. It is a great knife. :thumbup:

Kevin
 
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